Medical Cannabis Among the Options
Many untold thousands of Mass Retirees members are among the 40% of older adults who suffer with chronic or recurring pain. For relief there are treatment options including traditional pain medications (OTC or prescription) or medical cannabis. With the help of our colleagues at Boston-based EO, the Association is providing members with factual information on these options needed to be well-informed and make the right decision.
Pain can of course have many causes – injury, repetitive strain, illness or a chronic condition like arthritis or fibromyalgia. All can significantly compromise quality of life. To manage pain, people often turn to over-the-counter (OTC) medication options and prescription medications. New pain treatments like medical cannabis are also gaining increased attention.
Each option has benefits and risks. And before using any new pain medication, you should always consult with your doctor.
OVER-THE-COUNTER (OTC) PAIN TREATMENTS
Over-The-Counter (OTC) treatments are readily available, typically low in cost and generally effective for mild pain. However, just because they are available without a prescription does not mean they are without risk.
NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti- Inflammatory Drugs), like aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve), can help with inflammatory conditions like arthritis. The most common side effects range from indigestion and stomach ache to more serious problems like gastritis, ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding. NSAIDs may have increased risks for older adults, including cardiovascular side effects.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is another popular OTC that can be effective for relieving mild pain. Side effects can include nausea and dizziness (which can increase the risk of falling), and extended use can damage the liver, which is a particular concern for those who may have pre-existing liver conditions.
PRESCRIPTION PAIN MEDICATIONS
People living with severe pain often turn to prescription medications. While these treatments can offer more effective relief, they have greater potential risks.
Some of the most commonly prescribed pain medications include corticosteroids (like Prednisone) for those dealing with arthritis and inflammation, and antiepileptic medications (like Gabapentin and Pregabalin) for those suffering from nerve, back or neck pain. These medications can have side effects that range from dizziness and mood swings to high blood pressure.
In extreme cases of pain, opioids (like OxyContin and Percocet) may be prescribed. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation, dizziness and sedation. Opioids also have high potential for dependence or addiction. What’s more, older adults may be more likely to develop an opioid use disorder.
MEDICAL CANNABIS AS AN ALTERNATIVE FOR PAIN MANAGEMENT
Recently, people have been turning to medical cannabis to help manage pain. According to multiple studies, there’s growing evidence that medical cannabis can help with pain management, especially for chronic pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis, neuropathy, musculoskeletal conditions, cancer and fibromyalgia. This is thanks to the analgesic and anti-inflammatory compounds in cannabis.
THC and CBD are the compounds most associated with pain management in cannabis. Higher THC concentrations may offer greater relief; however, THC can increase the likelihood of intoxicating side effects. Whereas, CBD-dominant products are preferred for managing symptoms and promoting relaxation without intoxication.Some studies have indicated that a 1:1 THC to CBD ratio is most effective for pain management and as a sleep aid, while limiting intoxicating effects.
What’s more, medical cannabis has been shown to effectively temper and even replace many prescription pain medications, such as opioids and sedatives. In fact, a growing number of studies report that cannabis has a better side effect profile compared to narcotics and a lower risk of addiction.
However, medical cannabis use is not without risk. It can cause side effects like fatigue, diarrhea, changes in appetite, changes in weight, dizziness and confusion, which can affect motor coordination and increase the risk of falls. Cannabis can also interact with blood thinners and may not be appropriate for those with some cardiac conditions. Potential medication interactions are just one compelling reason that medical cannabis care should always be provided by an expert cannabis clinician.
ACTIONS TO CONSIDER
First and foremost, we strongly advise our members to always consult with your doctor to better understand the causes of pain you’re experiencing and to discuss which pain-management treatments might be most right for you.
Should medical cannabis be an option, we recommend you get to know EO, a provider of affordable, federally legal medical and wellness cannabis products for pain, stress, sleep and appetite. All their products come in healthy forms (no smoking or vaping), include clear instructions and can be shipped right to your door. Most importantly, every EO product comes with free clinician-led guidance via phone or email. Whenever you have questions about how you can put medical cannabis to work most safely and effectively, the EO team will be there to guide you.
Visit https://shop.eo.care and use code RETIREE to get 20% off your purchase.
Finally, we’d invite members to join the Mass Retirees EO Advisory Panel. This group meets once every three months for 30-60 minutes to discuss how medical cannabis care and medical/wellness products can be best provided to retirees. Participation in the panel is by phone or video conference. For each session, you’ll be compensated with a $50 Dunkin’ Donuts or Amazon gift card. If interested, just call the Association office at (617) 723-7283 or email us at info@massretirees.com